Office Depot in Clarksville, Tennessee hosted "Membership Day" for Wheel Me On... On Saturday, October 26, 2002 at their location on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard.
Store manager, Darrell Lane, enthusiastically provided a photographer for Clarksville resident, Julia Hollenbeck, "Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003", to capture moments with new members, and sponsor the program.
A large sign with an arrow pointing to Office Depot was set-up at the front of the building, and another large sign decorated with red balloons, was placed on an easel inside the foyer of the main entrance. A box of bright red "Office Depot" balloons were rapidly being blown up to fill a box sitting near the registration table, on arrival of the three Wheel Me On... Directors: Steve Traylor, Geneva Traylor, and Julia Hollenbeck.
Hollenbeck had recently represented the city during the state program of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee and received the state award primarily based on accomplishments and communication skills since the onset of using her wheelchair. The Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Program is sponsored in part by Holland Medical Equipment, Invacare, and Permobil.
At 10 AM people began strolling and rolling over to the registration table, while Office Depot employees began creating an attractive background scene for photographs of the new members with "Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003".
Bob Koch was talked into a free photo when he stopped by from Sam's Club, and Betty Freeman Dillon of Dillon Medical Equipment, Inc. was snapped a few times as she visited with everyone before posing with "Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003". New members all had their photos taken.
However, Brian Gronberg's four-year old daughter was a mite shy, and snuggled next to her Dad with a red balloon, with no interest in having her photo taken, while her Dad signed up for membership.
Hollenbeck had a couple of program books from the recent Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003 state competition available for people on the table to look at, and eagerly shared information about the program with several people, including Steve Traylor's mother, Frances Traylor, when they stopped by to check-in.
The "Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003" program theme, "Celebrating the Beauty of the Spirit", based judging on accomplishments, communication skills, self perception and projection, as well as sponsorship. Hollenbeck will share her professionalism throughout the state of Tennessee with speaking engagements and appearances during her reign.
During a short break, Hollenbeck and Geneva Traylor, Director of Marketing, were caught picking up supplies for Wheel Me On... while new member, David Brown, sales clerk at Office Depot rang up their purchase.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, a drawing for hidden secrets from Office Depot was held. A group of employees who had been helping with Wheel Me On's Membership Day gathered in back of Hollenbeck and store manager, Darrell Lane, while the photographer quickly clicked the shutter of the camera.
The winner will receive the unknown contents in the attractive Office Depot gift box at a luncheon on November 16th, when the new members also receive their eight by ten photographs taken with Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003.
Traylor said the Wheel Me On Membership Day," was extremely successful. If people are willing to take the Para-Transit system to "St. B" to sign-up, obviously Wheel Me On is a needed program in Clarksville. One family drove over from Dover, and several local business people came by to give their support to both Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003 and the Wheel Me On program."
Lane, told Wheel Me On Director, Steve Traylor, "We'll be glad to help anyway we can. Just let us know when we can help with any of your programs, and we'll be here for you." Traylor, a wheelchair user for 22-years, was excited about the new members and accomplishments within the city.
(Hollenbeck and Traylor had recently presented the City of Clarksville, Roads, and Recreation Department, with a Certificate of Appreciation for accepting revisions they recommended for Clarksville's Accessible Fishing Pier.)
Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003 attended a luncheon on November 16th, 2002, with special guest Kasondra Farmer, Junior Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2000, where both were recognized as title holders of the Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Program during a luncheon presented by Wheel Me On Board Directors. Dignitaries attending the special luncheon were Doug Weiland, Montgomery County Executive, Gabriel Segovia, City Councilman, and DeWayne Standifer, National Service Officer of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Nashville, TN.
"Let Freedom Ring This Christmas"
Colonel and Mrs. Robert S. Young, US Army, (Retired) announced they would sponsor an entry in the Clarksville City Christmas Parade, if "Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003" would agree to ride in the exhibit. With several people nudging, "Come on, you can do it", it nearly became a done deal. The day before the parade, a few members went over to the retired colonel's home and began decorating a small red pick-up truck with Christmas Garland, make-believe snow, empty boxes with Christmas paper on them, and a brass ship's bell borrowed from a hook on an upstairs landing.
The major task was securing the heavy brass bell on a garden shepherd's hook. While the shepherd's hook was strong enough, the weight of the bell easily bent the pole. Colonel Bob placed a couple of cement bricks next to a two by four-inch piece of lumber against the rear wall and then steadied the pole with wooden wedges. After the bell was secured, a small Christmas tree decorated with plastic apples, candy canes, and foam balls covered with gold silk thread was ready. The base of the tree was placed inside an umbrella stand filled with sand (from a picnic table), and positioned on top of the second brick in the opposite corner of the truck bed.
While giggling and joking with one another, cotton "snow" was unrolled, and draped over the sides of the truck. Plastic garland was taped in place and large red bows with bells dangling were attached to the top. The side rear windows were trimmed in the same garland, with miniature Christmas balls matching the ones on the tree, and a tiny red bow was taped to the glass in the center. Geneva Traylor, Wheel Me On board director, stood back looking at the truck. "We've got to get Julia in now", she said.
Colonel Bob looked at her and then at Julia, "How are we going to do that?" He asked. Julia got in her van and backed it up, lining the side doors with the tailgate of the truck. Someone grabbed the portable ramp from the storage area of her van and opened it, laying it across the two-foot gap between the two vehicles. She rolled out of the van and onto the truck bed, but the Colonel was not satisfied because Julia was facing the wrong way, and insisted they do it right so there would be no mistakes the following day. She got back in the van and lowered herself to the pavement, then re-entered the van before letting the lift down once more. The ramp was set in place and she slowly backed out onto the truck facing the tailgate. The Colonel was pleased, "It'll work!" He exclaimed.
On Sunday, December 15th, Geneva arrived with her niece, Lacoda, age six, to help stuff Julia into her red ski jacket, and follow them down to the back of Austin Peay State University where the floats were gathering and lining up for the parade. Julia found a place to park her van and Geneva kept vehicles from parking next to the side doors. There was enough room for Colonel Bob to back up next to the doors if the area was kept clear.
The two women waited for what seemed to be forever for Colonel Bob to show up, as other parade entries took their spot along the street. There were 140 entrants and theirs would be number forty-six, if the Colonel arrived with the truck. At one point, Geneva asked if she should go look for him, but the idea was dismissed when they realized he was probably having to drive five-miles an hour from his home about ten-miles away. Finally, they saw him drive around the corner and both breathed a sigh of relief.
A repeat performance of the day before took place as he backed his truck up next to the van. The ramp was set in place and Julia rolled backwards onto the truck. Geneva grabbed a large bow after the bell was re-hung on the shepherd's hook, to cover the black wrought iron of the hook and pole. Paper signs were attached to the truck and Christmas boxes were used as fillers. American flags were slid into the rear corners of the tailgate. Lacoda was lifted up onto the truck and snuggled in next to the side of the wheelchair with a large bag of candy, while Geneva climbed in next to the Christmas tree. Mrs. Young joined the three of them with two of their grandchildren and got in the cab, then Colonel Bob pulled the truck neatly into the line where a space had been kept open for him.
As the parade of vehicles began moving forward, there were already people watching just a few yards from the starting point. Hands waved as they passed, but the real thrill was reaching College Street and turning at the corner of the University. Gathered in the street were hundreds of people, cheering, and waving. Lacoda threw candy out to the children, Geneva frantically rang the bell, and Julia sat perched in her wheelchair waving at the crowd. They spied Geneva's husband video taping the scene from his wheelchair in the street and waved at him. It is uncertain whether the ship's bell or the wheelchair made the effect of everything so grand. The bell could be heard for several yards, because this was an authentic brass ship's bell, and no doubt loud enough to draw attention. Without any question, it rang freedom.
It took one and a half hours to make the parade journey along the streets of Clarksville. The bell clanged as Geneva pulled the cord, people cheered, waved, and nodded their heads in approval. Lacoda threw out candy to children and screamed, "Merry Christmas". It was not just several hundred people; there were thousands as Colonel Bob and Mrs. Young waved at the crowds and guided the truck in the parade.
Julia's goal for several years had been to promote visibility of people in wheelchairs, removing the seed of stigma, and becoming a part of society regardless of being a minority, or using a wheelchair. Sitting on the bed of a little red truck provided insight not just for people without disabilities because both Geneva and Julia experienced unity. They heard welcoming applause, saw smiles, and signs of "thumbs-up". "Let Freedom Ring this Christmas" provided awareness of people using wheelchairs as a daily means of mobility and unity in the community of Clarksville, Tennessee.
On behalf of the members and Directors of Wheel Me On… Sincere appreciation is extended to Colonel and Mrs. Robert S. Young for making it happen.
~ The New Year of 2003 ~
On January 1st, 2003, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003 was invited to attend the Inauguration and reception of Mayor Elect Don Trotter in Clarksville, Tennessee. During the reception, she enjoyed the pleasure of visiting with officials and meeting Ken Takasaki, City Council Member, who was originally from Oahu, Hawaii. Mayor Trotter and his assistant, Joe Pitts, made it a point to visit with her and talk about the Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Program. She had the pleasure of being included in photography in the Mayor Elect's new office with Mayor Trotter, Mrs. Trotter, Gabriel Segovia, and his wife, Stacy Segovia.
This opportunity led to providing awareness on behalf of residents and visitors who used mobility devices in Clarksville/Montgomery County, and the need for greater accessibility to both the Mayor's Office and the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce during the month of February. She was later invited to speak on February 20th, for the Governors Square Civitan Club as the title holder of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003.
In March she approached American Legion Post 88, in Nashville, Tennessee, and confirmed Post 88 would help host a program for Wheel Me On representing the Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Program and Military Pride in June of the same year.
By invitation of the Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee Program, she attended the Athena Awards, in behalf of their nomination of Erin Brady Worsham, on March 27th, at the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee.
~ Queen City Road Race Wheelchair Division ~
April 6, 2003
~ Tennessee Rehabilitation Center Graduation ~
The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna, Tennessee, requested Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003 as their Special Guest Speaker for their graduating class on April 25th. Julia Hollenbeck accepted the invitation and presented a first hand account of her personal experiences with the Texas Rehabilitation Center. Her deliverance made, she included ten daily thoughts, and a standing ovation rolled toward the stage from the rear of the auditorium. This happening, was her most heartfelt experience by the end of her reign.
~ Armed Forces Parade ~
It has to be stated that only strong will, determination, and steadfast support of the Chattanooga's Area Veteran Council in Chattanooga, Tennessee, could pull off a fantastic parade such as the one held for Armed Forces Day amid earlier days of rain, flooded streets, accidents, and confusion. The Honored Military Branch of Service was the United States Coast Guard at this year's 54th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade. Petty Office Musgraves, of the United States Coast Guard Shore Side Support Detachment in Chattanooga invited me to attend the event as the Titleholder of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003. I was privileged to sit in the Reviewing Stand with dignitaries of the city and military officials from across the state while enjoying better than a bird's eye view.
Julia Hollenbeck
United States Armed Forces Day Parade
Chattanooga, Tennessee
May 9th, 2003
by Julia Hollenbeck
© 2003
The Chattanooga newspaper reported the event in a rather hum-drum, ho-hum mannerism, however, everyone needs to know this was not at all a ho-hum or hum-drum event, but rather an excellent show of support for our Armed Forces. As a spectator in behalf of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003, without a camera for a change, I am most appreciative to my daughter-in-law who fumbled with my cameras and took these extraordinary photos. The photos truly provide the realism of what the Armed Forces Day Parade in Chattanooga, Tennessee, gave to their audience.
Note: If a photographer from the newspaper was there; he was in the wrong location.
While many officials were already seated in the reviewing stand, they visited among themselves while anxiously waiting for the parade to begin. Sadly, we do not have the names of all the individuals. When the caravan of vehicles began parading past the Reviewing Stand with dignitaries, all attention was focused on them with appreciation and great applause.
A few moments later, the vehicles turned around, returned to the Reviewing Stand, and stopped to allow the prestigious passengers take their positions in the stand. I was caught by surprise, when Mayor Bob Croker of the City of Chattanooga made it a point to walk around the front of the stand to my location, and personally acknowledge my presence, then hurdle the high step to sit directly behind me.
To many spectators, the realism of military vehicles may not have had the impact or meaning of what they meant to many veterans sitting near me, or the military personnel who freely joined the ranks of protecting our country.
As the procession of military vehicles passed, a United States Coast Guard helicopter flew overhead and immediately the words of the "Star Spangled Banner" came to my mind. The passing of the Disabled American Veterans van held special meaning to me, as I recalled several events I had the privilege of attending over the past several years.
The Woman's Veterans Network and their efforts to help American Veterans was a colorful display of umbrellas quite fitting, considering the weather of days past, but when I later saw this photo with the gleaming white caps from men of the United States Coast Guard, a lump developed in my throat. In all honesty, it was the "Golden Star Mothers" who stole my heart during the parade as I related to having sons serving the military and feared for their safety. These women lost their children as their sons and daughters protected our country, and they were truly Golden Stars in an appropriate gold car.
As each military vehicle passed, cheers broke the silence, and with every American Flag that approached, people stood at attention and saluted. Though I had been this route so many times, it was still difficult for me as an individual unable to stand, desperately wanting to pay respect in the same way. Humor at seeing an antique auto approach gave me insight and a wonderful reminder of years long ago.
Then, as I saw the World War I Ladies Auxiliary pass me, I thought about my father who served in World War I to serve our country, and then later signing up for World War II. This was remarkable with so few remaining from World War I in age and time. Then again, age is timeless, as the photos above prove, and all of these people served our country.
American Legion, William E. Blair, Post 95 Commander, waved as he passed the Review Stand and I wondered if he knew I was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 88. Mascot Angel from the 82nd Airborne, United States Army brought giggles as I thought of my son, Sergeant First Class Dennis Musgraves, who continues his career with the United States Army.
My position at the Review Stand is hidden, but trust me, I was there, seated on the left of the step for the Review Stand. (If you look closely, you can see my feet.) I am not quite sure who the Mascot is riding on the EPB vehicle saluting our Armed Forces, but I can tell you for certain, he had me laughing as he provided wonderful antics to the delight of his audience in the Reviewing Stand. Korean War Veterans proudly waved American Flags from their bright green vehicle and brought a flood of memories to me of the early 1950's.
One of my most treasured memories is Mayor Bob Corker of the City of Chattanooga making it a point to visit with me following the parade. Somehow, I always manage to provide a minor miscalculation. This time, it was addressing him as "Governor". He was quick to correct me. I recovered with announcing I was attempting to give him a promotion. Mayor Corker took it in good humor and spent several minutes visiting with me. Meeting and visiting with Dave and Gayle Maul, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 16, Chattanooga, was a special treat promising to turn into a lasting friendship.
The proudest photo of all is one taken of my son, Petty Officer David F. Musgraves with Lieutenant Commander Young, Commanding Officer of Coast Group Ohio Valley. Petty Officer Musgraves was responsible for tending to requests of Rear Admiral Smith and Lieutenant Commander Young for their transportation requirements during their visit in Chattanooga.
Following the parade, there was an extraordinary VIP luncheon held at the Read House in downtown Chattanooga. I was delighted to attend this luncheon and hear the comments of the Honored Speakers.
The photographer, Alicia Musgraves, (of the above photos) quietly rests following lunch while my grandson, Duncan, shyly sits a few feet away and grins at me. As I look at this photo, I wonder if Duncan who is my only grandson, will someday start the fourth generation of our family serving the United States Armed Forces.
Representing Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2003, by attending Armed Forces Day celebrated in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on May 9th was an event mixed with a variety of emotions. It was a time for all of us to reflect, appreciate, and acknowledge our military pride within ourselves. It was an opportunity for me to recall what Armed Forces Day is about with the celebration for the men and woman serving our country today. Seeing people who served our country in the past parading by in front of me fortified the true American spirit. The show of force with veterans from wars past, auxiliary members, and all the wonderful people who came to see the parade, indeed supported the dedicated service of men and women who continue to protect our United States of America. I sincerely thank the United States Coast Guard in Chattanooga for requesting my attendance, and Chattanooga's Area Veteran Council for pulling it all together to make their 54th year an event to be remembered. The parade was fantastic!
Congratulations for a job well done!
My only question is: Where was the news media?
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